Saturday, December 7, 2013

Injury report: Dobson out, Pats' secondary still ailing

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

Just when the New England Patriots wide receiver corps was getting re-acclimated, at least one of its rookies will be absent for this weekend's home game against the Cleveland Browns.

Aaron Dobson, who's been hobbled by a foot injury and missed practice all week, has been officially ruled out for Sunday. This is Dobson's second week in street clothes, as he missed the team's win in Houston while rehabbing the same injury.

He may be joined on the sidelines by fellow youngster Kenbrell Thompkins, who was limited in practice while dealing with a hip injury but hasn't missed a game since Week 9 against the Steelers. Their uncertainty could open the door for wideout Austin Collie, who was brought back for another shot this week.
On the other side of the ball, New England's secondary has been trying to recoup for weeks now, but it doesn't look like much has changed going into this weekend. Five defensive backs are listed on the team's report as questionable, which includes cornerback Alfonzo Dennard, who was back in court this week following DUI and assault charges dating back to last year. Dennard was slammed with some additional penalties to his sentence Thursday, though they won't affect his status this week or any subsequent weeks this season.